Nicklaus praises fit and firing Woods

Jack Nicklaus feels Tiger Woods' injury problems have helped him develop and improve both technically and in mentality.

Woods underwent four operations on his back between 2014 and 2017 and there were fears the 14-time major winner's career could be over during his spells on the sidelines.

The 42-year-old enjoyed a return to form in 2018 however, as he claimed the Tour Championship title in September and challenged for both The Open and the PGA Championship, finishing in a tie for sixth and second respectively.

"I think his swing is much better now than it ever was," 18-time major winner Nicklaus told Golfweek earlier this month. "The reason for that is Tiger was very much up and down with his head and I think that put a lot of pressure on his back. The fusion that he had, obviously was something he didn't want, but it was something he needed.

"I didn't think he would ever play golf as well as he's playing. I never dreamed that he would play quite as well as he has, and that the operation actually leveled out his head and leveled out his swing."

This article originated on sportinastorm.com

Gareth Freeman is an experienced journalist who can offer in-depth knowledge on a host of sports, especially football, tennis, snooker and basketball.